GLSEN Middle Tennessee's Jump-Start Team is a group of student leaders that work to create safe K-12 schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. To achieve this goal, the team organizes educational programs and actions in the community to promote inclusion, safety, and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students, and their allies.

Jump-Start Team members must be committed to safe schools and to being part of an inclusive community. They must have the responsibility to follow-through on organizing tasks and commitments. Successful team members are interested in developing/deepening leadership, organizing and facilitation skills and enjoy working with others.

What do Jump-Start team members do?

Advocate | Our team members work to promote safety and acceptance for all. Students have the power to influence state laws, community ordinances, and local school board policies that create safer learning environments for LGBT youth.

Educate | Peer-to-peer learning is the cornerstone of Jump-Start and of creating change on a larger scale. Our team members learn about issues of social justice that impact LGBT youth in schools and use that knowledge to help others understand how to better provide support for students. Jump-Start leaders have presented at conferences for students as well as professionals, facilitated workshops, and led activities that promote social-emotional learning.

Organize | Jump-Start leaders work with LGBT and ally K-12 students and Gay-Straight Alliances across the region to provide support for their organizations. Our team often organizes or participates in community events around GLSEN's Days of Action & Support such as Day of Silence, No Name-Calling Week, Ally Week, Transgender Day of Remembrance, LGBT History Month, and other observations and initiatives that support safe schools.

To complete step 1 of the application process, simply fill out the following sections of this page and click “Submit Form.” A full team application form will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Please remember to check your email and spam box regularly for the application. Team applications are due September 1st and decisions will be made and communicated by the 12th.